Runners raise $475,000 for youth mental health at CHEO
Runners from across Ottawa turned out on a cool September morning to help raise $475,000 for youth mental health.
The RBC Race for the Kids event was held Sunday morning at Wesley Clover Parks, with proceeds going toward the CHEO Foundation. It’s the first time in two years that participants have been able to meet in-person.
Two thousand participants took part. The race was divided into two-, five- and 10-kilometre segments, offering something for every skill level, including those just looking for a family fun walk.
Anik Levac and her family joined hundreds for the 2k family fun walk. They have had to use CHEO’s services for their son and are happy to be out supporting an institution that has made such a difference in their lives.
“They are just amazing, so we are here helping out any way that we can,” Levac said. “It was fabulous!”
Steve Read, the acting president of the CHEO Foundation, says mental health resources have been strained for years and the issue was only made worse by the pandemic.
“We have seen a real increase in depression and eating disorders and other forms of mental health issues,” Read said. “ This is going to go a long way to help what is really becoming an increasing demand for mental health services at CHEO.”
The event has raised more than $2.5 million in the last six years, said race chair Marjolaine Hudon, the regional president of personal and commercial banking at RBC.
“Seeing so many colleagues, families, sports teams and friends come together in person was truly inspiring. Thank you for helping ensure youth get the mental health support they need,” Hudon said in a news release Sunday.
The funds raised will help CHEO meet the mental health needs of children and youth across the region, including through 1Call1Click.ca, a bilingual service designed to match kids, youth, and families, living in eastern Ontario, with the right mental health and addiction services, at the right time.
“Thank you to our generous community for coming together and showing your support for youth struggling with mental health challenges,” said Read in a news release. “Funds raised through RBC Race for the Kids helps ensure that children, youth and their families can access care when they need it the most. We are grateful to RBC, Casino du Lac-Leamy, and everyone who participated today.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.